Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. At Valley Dental Health, Dr. Roham Rafat is one of the few specialists in Maryland with advanced training in both Periodontics and Prosthodontics. As a Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology, he brings the highest level of expertise in gum disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to patients in Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Timonium, Sparks, and the surrounding Baltimore area.
Whether you’re experiencing bleeding gums, gum recession, or tooth loss due to periodontal disease, Dr. Rafat offers comprehensive periodontics services right here in our Cockeysville office.
What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics is the dental specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. A periodontist is a dentist who has completed three years of advanced training beyond dental school, specifically in gum health, bone health, and dental implant placement.
Dr. Roham Rafat’s periodontics credentials include:
- Specialty Certificate in Periodontics, University of Maryland
- Master of Science (MS), University of Maryland
- Diplomate, American Academy of Periodontology (AAP)
- Dual-training in Periodontics AND Prosthodontics (tooth replacement)
This dual specialty means Dr. Rafat can treat gum disease AND restore missing teeth with modern dental implants in the same office, often in the same treatment plan.
Why Do You Need a Periodontist?
General dentists can treat early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) with routine cleanings and improved home care. However, advanced gum disease (periodontitis) requires the specialized training and tools of a periodontist.
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
- Gums that are pulling away from your teeth (recession)
- Loose teeth or teeth that have shifted position
- Changes in your bite or how your teeth fit together
- Pain when chewing
- Bone loss visible on dental X-rays
- Tooth loss because of gum disease
Left untreated, periodontitis can lead to progressive bone loss, tooth loss, and even systemic health issues linked to heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Patient Review
Periodontal Disease: Stages & Treatment
Gingivitis (Early Stage)
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. At this stage, the infection affects only the gum tissue, not the bone. Symptoms include red, swollen, or bleeding gums. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible with professional gum treatments and improved at-home oral hygiene.
Periodontitis (Moderate Stage)
At this stage, the infection has spread beneath the gum line and begun damaging the bone that supports your teeth. Gum pockets deepen, and you may notice gum recession or loose teeth. Treatment at this stage requires non-surgical procedures like scaling and root planing.
Advanced Periodontitis (Severe Stage)
In advanced periodontitis, significant bone loss has occurred. Teeth may become very loose or fall out. Treatment options include surgical intervention, bone grafting, and dental implants to replace lost teeth.
Periodontal Disease Treatment Options at Valley Dental Health
Scaling & Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure that removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Dr. Rafat smooths the tooth roots to help your gums reattach to the teeth. This procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia and may require multiple appointments depending on the severity of your condition.
Periodontal Maintenance
After your active gum disease is under control, you’ll need ongoing periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months. These visits are more thorough than routine cleanings and help prevent the recurrence of gum disease.
Laser Periodontal Therapy
Dr. Rafat offers laser-assisted periodontal therapy for patients seeking a minimally invasive treatment option. Laser therapy targets and removes diseased gum tissue while preserving healthy tissue, resulting in less bleeding, faster healing, and reduced discomfort.
Gum Grafting (Gingival Graft)
For patients with significant gum recession, Dr. Rafat performs gum grafting procedures to restore lost gum tissue. The graft covers exposed tooth roots, reduces sensitivity, and improves the appearance of your smile.
Bone Grafting
When periodontitis has caused bone loss, bone grafting may be necessary to rebuild the jawbone. This procedure is often performed in preparation for dental implants or to stabilize loose teeth.
Pocket Reduction Surgery (Osseous Surgery)
For advanced periodontitis, pocket reduction surgery may be recommended. Dr. Rafat folds back the gum tissue, removes bacteria and tartar from deep pockets, smooths the bone surface, and repositions the gum tissue for a snug fit.
Dental Implants & Periodontics
Dr. Rafat’s dual-training in periodontics AND prosthodontics means he can surgically place dental implants AND restore them with natural-looking crowns, bridges, or dentures.
This matters because patients with periodontal disease who need dental implants often require bone grafting or gum treatment before implant placement. Because Dr. Rafat is trained in both specialties, he can coordinate every phase of your care without referring you to multiple outside specialists.
The Periodontist & General Dentist Relationship at Valley Dental Health
You may need a periodontist if you experience:
At Valley Dental Health, Dr. Rafat works alongside Dr. Ashley Izadi, a general dentist with advanced training in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Together, they provide seamless, coordinated care for patients with complex dental needs.
- Dr. Rafat handles surgical periodontal treatment and implant placement.
- Dr. Izadi performs routine cleanings, restorative care, and cosmetic treatments.
Because both doctors work in the same office, your care is coordinated, your records are shared, and you never have to manage referrals between multiple offices.
Periodontics FAQs
What is a periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who has completed three years of advanced specialty training beyond dental school in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease. Periodontists also receive extensive training in dental implant placement and bone grafting procedures.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Common signs of gum disease include bleeding gums when you brush or floss, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, and changes in your bite. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a periodontal evaluation with Dr. Rafat.
Is gum disease reversible?
Gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) is reversible with professional treatment and improved at-home oral hygiene. However, periodontitis (advanced gum disease) is not reversible, but it can be managed with ongoing treatment and maintenance to prevent further damage.
How much does periodontal treatment cost?
The cost of periodontal treatment varies based on the severity of your condition and the type of procedure needed. Scaling and root planing typically range from $500 to $2,000 per quadrant, while surgical procedures and bone grafting are higher. We accept most PPO dental insurance plans and offer CareCredit financing. Our KLEER membership plan also provides discounts for uninsured patients.
Does dental insurance cover periodontal treatment?
Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for periodontal treatment, though coverage levels vary. Preventive cleanings are typically covered at 100%, while scaling, root planing, and surgical procedures are often covered at 50-80% after your deductible. Our team will verify your benefits before treatment begins.
How often should I see a periodontist?
If you have active gum disease, you may need to see a periodontist every three to four months for periodontal maintenance. If your gums are healthy, you may only need routine cleanings with your general dentist twice per year. Patients who have had periodontal treatment require lifelong maintenance to prevent recurrence.
Can I get dental implants if I have gum disease?
Active gum disease must be treated before dental implants can be placed. Placing implants into infected gum tissue increases the risk of implant failure. Dr. Rafat will treat your gum disease first, then evaluate your jawbone health before recommending implant placement.
What happens if gum disease is left untreated?
Untreated gum disease can lead to progressive bone loss, tooth loss, and changes in your facial structure. Research has also linked periodontal disease to systemic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and respiratory disease.
What is the difference between a periodontist and a prosthodontist?
A periodontist specializes in gum and bone health, as well as the placement of dental implants. A prosthodontist specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth with crowns, bridges, and dentures. Dr. Rafat is uniquely trained in both specialties, allowing him to surgically place implants AND restore them with natural-looking prosthetics.
Schedule Your Periodontal Consultation Today
Don’t ignore the signs of gum disease. Early treatment can save your teeth and protect your overall health. Dr. Roham Rafat welcomes new patients from Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Timonium, Sparks, Phoenix, Jacksonville, and throughout Baltimore County.
Call our office at 443-733-6613 or request an appointment online.
Serving Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Timonium, Sparks, Phoenix, Jacksonville, and all of Baltimore County. Ask about our KLEER membership plan for uninsured patients and CareCredit financing.